WHAT'S NEW AT THE 2017 MINNESOTA STATE FAIR

Want a sneak peak of the Great Minnesota Get Together? Check out our list of the latest additions to the Minnesota State Fair

Image by Minnesota State Fair

By Lauren DeLapa

Each year from the last week of August through Labor Day, an average of 2 million people make a trip to the Twin Cities to check the Minnesota State Fair off of their summer to-do list. This 12-day event is full of non-stop fun with fair food, carnival rides, special exhibits, live music and much more. The Minnesota State Fair has become an iconic destination during its 158 years of operation, and with expanding attractions always being added, guests stop back each year to see what’s new at the fairgrounds.

Dozens of debuts will be made this summer, including new vendors and exclusive events. Want a sneak peek at the summer fun? Check out our list below for what's new at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair, which runs from Aug. 24-Sept. 4.

GREAT BIG WHEEL

Standing at 156 feet and covered in half a million LED lights, this new addition to the state fair is a hard one to miss. The Great Big Wheel towers over the fairgrounds as the tallest traveling Ferris wheel in North America. For $5, riders are lifted 15 stories into the air, supplying spectacular sights of the Twin Cities. Each enclosed gondola seats six people, so grab a group and take a ride! The Great Big Wheel is located on the southwest corner of Randall Avenue and Cooper Street, across from Family Fair at Baldwin Park.

THE VERANDA

Found inside the fair's iconic Grandstand, The Veranda brings the best food, drinks and shopping together for an all-inclusive experience. Visitors will find pop-up shops selling Minnesota-made products and the Hideaway Speakeasy, which serves craft beer, Minnesota wine and dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients. Patio seating that overlooks the Adventure Park and West End Market is available all day.

THE GREAT MINNESOTA KNIT TOGETHER

When heading over to the Grandstand, be sure to keep an eye out for Minnesota’s largest “yarnbomb” created for The Great Minnesota Knit Together. Crocheted and knitted creations will cover the Grandstand Ramp curtsey of crafters from local crafting groups, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities and nationwide contributors. These blanket topiaries make the perfect photo-op, so don’t forget to stop by!

NHL CENTENNIAL FAN ARENA

The NHL Centennial Fan Arena is celebrating 100 years of hockey history with their exhibit at Expo Place. Admission to the fair grants fans an all-access pass to the arena where guests can go on a virtual reality Zamboni ride, hear from special speakers, see exclusive NHL memorabilia and snap a picture with the Stanley Cup. The NHL Centennial Fan Arena will be open to the public Sept. 1-4, with the Stanley Cup on display Sept. 1-2.

NEW VENDORS AND FOOD FINDS

This summer, nearly 40 new vendors will be welcomed to the state fair, bringing everything from original art to vintage clothing finds for your perusal. But out of everything for sale, the unconventional and insanely delicious food tops the Minnesota State Fair must-try list. Items like bacon fluffernutters, cheesy nacho corn on the cob, pizzaritos and triple truffle trotters can be found across the fairgrounds , so take a look at the full list of new foods here.

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